Outspoken Beauty

In this week's Minipod I talk about my amazing experience at the Chanel exhibition at the V and A. I also chat through my Mammogram and how I'm feeling about my colonoscopy.I have some lovely recommendations for you this week including a body scrub that warms up on contact with your skin (utter bliss), a perfume that is proven to make you feel energised and happy and the lipstick that never fails to make me feel incredible.xx

It's time for Bryony Blake's fortnightly episode and this week there's a lot to discuss including:The kid's party that ended up being like a scene from Motherland. (Reptiles were involved.)The awards ceremony that went a bit wrongSomething highly embarrassing that happened in a steam room in a super posh spaand lots more.We also share our 6 products of the week with Bryony recommending the perfect, suit-all lipstick for this time of year.Enjoy xx

In this episode I chat to the effervescent and award winning aesthetics doctor and GP, Dr Ahmed.If you've listened to the podcast for a while you'll know that I am a huge fan of pro and health ageing and that I take issue with the idea that we should feel like we need to turn back the clock to be accepted by society. Ageing is a gift and we must never be ashamed of it. However, I'm also aware that a lot of women just don't feel that the face that they see in the mirror matches the way that they feel inside and I totally get why many people seek treatments and procedures that will help their face to once again feel more "them". I think what I'm trying to say is that we should be able to do what we want without judgement, but as a society we need to work towards the total acceptance and celebration of ageing.During the episode Dr Ahmed and I cover so much ground. He talks me through loads of the invasive and non-invasive treatments that are on offer at the moment and which ones he likes (as well as the ones that aren't quite as effectve or are a bit too painful). He also talks about his favourite skincare, what to look out for when going for aesthetic treatments and why sometimes you just have to say no (some younger women come in asking to look like their filtered images on social media).I'm so impressed with Dr Ahmed for a number of reasons. He's an incredibly experienced doctor and when he deals with patients he is doing so with a great amount of responsibility. He also has a wicked sense of humour and always explores the psychological reasons for treatment, guiding people and saying no when he needs to.I not only warmed to Dr Ahmed but I found the entire conversation fascinating. I've never been tempted by the sorts of treatments that he offers but my goodness if I wanted one he'd be a person that I'd seek out.I hope you enjoy his wisdom and honesty!

I've got some really brilliant things to tell you about this week including an AI powered fragrance machine coming to London very soon, a damn sexy high street perfume to give you confidence and a strut in your step, an excellent cleanser, a hair tool that makes styling effortless and the perfect black shirt.I'll post a video of me demonstrating the hair tool on @outspokenbeautynicola so you can see how it worksEnjoy this week's Minipod Outspoken Beauties xx

In this episode it's just you and me (post trick or treating) having a bit of a life cach up.I'll update you on my anxiety and how I'm going about coming off some of my medication.I also talk about things I know I need to do but that I never seem to be able to stick to, an interesting chat with a gasterenterologist, the sex chair of doom, the haunting perfume that I just can't stop thinking about or wearing and why my skincare routine is currently a bit boring but that's OK.

I cannot tell you how much I loved recording this episode with Madeleine, who for those who don't know her is an amazing journalist, writer and podcast host with a passion for Elvis and who is at times to be seen wearing a dirndl at her equally fabulous father's traditional Austrian restaurant in London.Madeleine and I were recently at an event and we got onto the subject of our tattoos (Mads has considerably more than me) and why people seem to judge women of a certain age who get them. What ensued was a conversation about recaliming our bodies and identities that made me realise that we just HAD to record a podcast about it.So here you go...a conversation about why women at times are met with such judgement about their tattoos and how getting one (or 5) can be the perfect middle finger up at expectations and incredibly freeing.We also talk through Madeleine's fabulous tattoo choices and what they mean (there is a lot of symbolism and meaning going on here), how she talked her 70 something Mum into having one and why they are so important to her.Whether you have tattoos, are considering one or can't stand the idea, I think that you'll get loads of enjoyment out of this episode!

In this week's Minipod I'm talking about:The pelvic floor chair with a surprising side effectColonoscopiesA truly beautiful beauty advent calendar that is only £35The product that gives my hair guarenteed oomph The bath salts that are affordable but utterly brilliantAnd much more.Enjoy xx

The fabulous Bryony Blake is back and this week we're talking about the thing that Nicola said that shocked her therapist, the David Beckham documentary, Madonna's amazing concert and we have some really brilliant beauty buys to tell you about including what we think is the best beauty advent calendar of the year.Enjoy!

Chats with Jane Foulston, co-founder and brand ambassador of Emma Hardie skincare. They discuss what makes the brand special, the new Vitamin C moisturizer, and the behind-the-scenes of skincare brands. They also touch on the importance of the skin barrier, the benefits of using a serum and cream together, and positive results from product trials. Plus, they talk about the brand's sustainability efforts and upcoming product launch.

In this week's minipod I'm talking about:The high street store with the most fabulous and affordable loafersThe ultimate "no makeup makeup" with lots of skincare benefitsAn outfit idea that is so comfy and looks fabulous in most scenariosTwo books that are on my radar, both VERY differentWhy my sister begged me to keep my knickers on (not quite as weird as it sounds)The wonderful hairbrush recommended by my hairdresser